Championship Playoff Final: Sheffield United vs. Sunderland Picks — World’s Richest Soccer Match Set for Wembley Stadium (May 24)

The eyes of the soccer world will be on Wembley Stadium on Monday, May 24, 2025, as the final spot in next season’s Premier League will be determined in the Championship playoff final.

Sheffield United overcame Bristol City in dominant fashion in the semi-finals, becoming the first second tier side in playoff history to score six unanswered goals on aggregate.

Sunderland produced a more dramatic finish in their semi-final clash with Coventry, netting their winning effort in the final seconds of the second half of extra time. But, which team will win soccer’s richest game and secure their promotion to the Premier League?

Odds

Blades Boast Winning Record

Despite losing 2-1 at the Stadium of Light in January, Sheffield United boast an excellent recent record against Sunderland.

The Blades have won five of the last six Championship matches between the sides, with that run dating back to September 2017.

Sheffield United vs. Sunderland Key Stats

• Sheffield United boasted the third-best defensive record in the Championship in 2024-25, with just Leeds and Burnley allowing fewer goals.
• Sunderland have won just once in their last eight competitive matches.
• Sheffield United (2009, 2003, 1997) and Sunderland (1998, 1990) have lost in the playoff finals without winning promotion via this method.

Sheffield United Team News

Ollie Arbiaster is the only player missing for Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United for the trip to Wembley, as the midfielder has been ruled out due to a knee injury.

Possible Lineup

M. Cooper (GK); H. Choudhury, A. Ahmedhodzic, J. Robinson, H. Burrows, A. Brooks, S. Peck, V. Souza, G. Hamer, T. Cannon, K. Moore

Sunderland Team News

Sunderland will be without Ajbola Alese for the playoff final at Wembley. The defender has been out of action for an extended period due to a foot injury.

Possible Lineup

A. Patterson (GK); T. Hume, D. Ballard, L. O’Nien, D. Cirkin, P. Roberts, D. Neil, J. Bellingham, E. le Fee, E. Mayenda, W. Isidor

Sheffield United vs. Sunderland Picks

Championship playoff finals are typically cagey affairs, with just one of the last five finals seeing over 2.5 goals scored. Sheffield United’s excellent defensive record is a major plus for their chances, while Sunderland’s poor winning strike-rate has to be a concern.

For that reason, we foresee the Blades claiming success at Wembley at the end of May.